The geochronology of the Haobugao skarn Zn-Pb deposit (NE China) using garnet LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating

•Garnet LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating yielded ages of 139.10 ± 5.40 and 140.70 ± 1.89 Ma, which firstly identified the timing of the Haobugao skarns.•Garnet trace element compositions can reflect physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal fluids.•Combined garnet U-Pb, zircon U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Os geochronological data could precisely date the magmatism, skarn formation and mineralization.